Johnny Hates Jazz

Fondly remembered by eighties’ music fans and enthusiasts for hit singles Shattered Dreams and Turn Back The Clock, Johnny Hates Jazz did for a time were fly high in the UK and the US. For about 12 months they were one of the UK’s most successful acts, but there was no follow up album, as Clark Datchler left to record solo material. In 1991 an album under their name was released but – it’s not until now, 25 years later that Datchler and Mike Nocito are back together. And impressively, just like 1987, they are back on the airwaves, with Radio 2 A listing Magnetized.

This trend for giving a fair helping of breathing space between records is catching after the likes of Dexys and My Bloody Valentine with two decade gaps between records. It is fair to say that amongst the music world, Johnny Hates Jazz return was not as keenly awaited or the subject of internet discussion. No matter, because Magnetized is surprisingly accomplished and a bit of a breath of fresh air. This is pop music with a touch of nostalgia, with moments like Savage Garden (Lighthouse) or even A-Ha (You Belong To Me).

There are also moments of grandiose pop in the mould of their former glories like the lead single and title track, the delicate ballad Release You, which deals with personal grief (“Through the mist you blow a kiss, and then you walk away, and finally I know that I am free”) and on the album’s finest moment Man With No Name. They contain pounding keyboards and sunny hooks, with Datchler’s voice sounding richer and more impressive than a quarter of a century ago. This may be one of the most unfashionable musical comebacks this year (or least anticipated) but with a gap for a certain type of anthemic, well written pop, Johnny Hates Jazz might just have timed it right.